In 2010, I decided to start this blog, and I have had so much fun doing so. I really love sharing with all of you my love of reading. As my friends and family can attest to, I would and could go on and on about things I love and didn’t love in each and every book I read. My poor husband probably tunes me out most days!!
This year I was also asked to join the fabulous girls over at The Book Pushers, and I have so enjoyed being a part of the review team there. Lou, Has, E, and Ying have been so welcoming with me. I can honestly say that doing joint reviews with those ladies is some of the most fun I’ve had this past year. These women are not only great reviewers, but I’m so happy to be able to call them all great friends!
In addition to those great ladies, I’ve also had the chance to get to know other bloggers on a more personal note. For those who follow me regularly, you know how obsessed I am with Twitter. Because of that, I’ve had the chance to get to know Mandi from Smexy Books, Sophia from Fiction Vixen, Pearl from Pearl’s World of Romance, and so many others on a more personal note. I love talking books with them, and would be lost most days without them to chat with. Twitter had also given me the chance to make friends with some of the authors I love to read, specifically the Moira Rogers duo Bree and Donna, Liz Fichera, Alisha Rai, and the always funny Keith Melton.
This past year I really broadened my reading horizons and read new authors, genres and stories I never would have thought to pick up. The Sci-Fi Romance Reading Challenge was so fun, and I discovered a new love for all things romance space operas (I absolutely fell in love with Linnea Sinclair!) I also picked up a lot more romantic suspense books this year than ever before, and I have Maya Banks to thank for that new obsession. Her new KGI books fueled my library rampage where I checked out about 5 different romantic suspense authors to test out.
In 2010, I had quite a few opportunities to meet some fabulous authors in person, and it was so incredible! Here’s a recap:
April – Went to the Tucson Festival of Books with my dear friend E from BookPushers. We got to meet some great authors that I loved before, and have since come to love so much more after meeting them. We met Rachel Gibson, Terry Brooks, JA Jance and Julia Quinn. We had such a great time, and I can’t wait to go to the festival in 2011!
In April I also got to meet up with Lorelie Brown. She is one of my favorite lunch buddies, and we've run into each other around town as well!
July – Met Diana Gabaldon when she did a reading/talk/signing for the Pima County Library. She is so nice, and I try and go hear her every time she is in Tucson.
September – I went to Phoenix for CopperCon, to finally my bestest girlfriend from the Ilona Andrews forum. We had the chance to meet up with fellow IA forum buddy SylviaSybil and meet some great Sci-Fi authors like Gini Koch, Lynn Crain, Marsheila Rockwell, Weston Ochse, Yavonne Navarro and Stephen Donaldson. I had such a great time, and really enjoyed hanging out with Gini and Lynn the whole weekend.
October – I attended the first ever gaming conference in Tucson, RinCon. They invited some great authors to that, and was able to spend some time talking with Jeff Mariotte, Sam Sykes and Michael Stackpole. It was fabulous!
November – Some BIG names were invited to TusCon this year, namely Jim Butcher and Shannon K Butcher, and I had a great time hearing them speak. They are both so nice and accommodating to their fans. I had a wonderful time meeting them.
December – The end of the year was a huge SQUEE month for me. I got to have lunch with Vivian Arend who was traveling through the state with her family. We had a great time chatting, and I loved being able to meet her. I also took a trip to the Portland area to visit my in-laws this Christmas. While I was there, I had the chance to meet a few of my all time favorite authors. First up was Ilona and Gordon Andrews. When they agreed to meet with me, I almost had a little panic attack! I have yet to read something they write that wasn’t pure gold for me. It was a total dream come true to sit and have coffee with the two of them. Next up was the amazing Meljean Brook. I have to say, I have a total girl crush on her. She was so fun to sit and chat with, and we got along so well. It was one of the best days of my whole year!
I would have to say that 2010 was probably one of the best years I’ve had in a REALLY long time. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that 2011 will be just as fabulous!
11 comments:
Nicole, it was great getting to know you in 2010 too! Best wishes for a wonderful 2011!
Thank you for sharing your love of books as well I've found many a new author through your recommendations!
I have had so much fun chatting with you on Twitter this year! Really great getting to know you and I love your blog.
Plus - how awesome that you've met so many authors!
@Liz- I wish you the best in 2011 as well!
@Libby- You've given me some great recommendations as well. I'm glad we have a similar taste in books. =)
@Mandi- I <3 Twitter, it's awesome! I really have had a great author meeting year, it's been so mind boggling.
Awesome wrap up! Heh! You've met so many authors, I'm wayyyy jealous. (Ilona & Gordon are the best aren't they? :D)
(I've met a couple of your gal pals, T & E.. you're next, I swear! )
Sounds like a fabulous year all in all.. hope 2011 is even better for ya woman!!
@Reads - OMG they were sooo nice, I loved being able to meet up with them. And Meljean, she was sooo sweet!!
I hope to make plans to come out to LA (that's where you are right?) next year sometime, so we will totally get to meet up!! Hope 2011 is awesome for you too.
DANG! You DID have an awesome 2010! NICELY DONE!!!
It was so much fun hanging out with you at the con! I'm sorry the Portland meetup didn't work out, but next time, definitely. And I'm so jealous that you've gotten to meet so many awesome authors and bloggers.
Oh Man! I love the shot with all the team Gini shirts! I stalk her.
Nicole! It was great to meet you. I hope this year is even better for you.
You certainly did have an awesome year in 2010!!! Hope you have an even better year in 2011 :)
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